Pheroza Godrej

Pheroza Godrej: A Shaping Force in Indian Art

Pheroza Godrej (nee Shroff) has been a vital figure in India’s cultural landscape since the early 1970s, when she founded Cymroza Art Gallery in Mumbai. More than a gallerist, she is an author, collector, patron, and mentor whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the development of modern and contemporary Indian art.

Trained as a painter and a student of English literature, Godrej’s immersion in Mumbai’s dynamic cultural scene during the 1960s shaped her vision. Regular visits to exhibitions at the Bombay Art Society, Arts Society of India, and Sir J.J. School of Art, alongside emerging galleries like Chemould and Pundole, offered her a firsthand understanding of India's rapidly evolving art world.

With Cymroza Art Gallery, she created a unique platform for emerging artists to exhibit experimental, boundary-pushing work. Her space was more than a gallery—it was a hub for dialogue, innovation, and community, bridging generations and disciplines.

Beyond her gallery work, Dr. Godrej has authored and co-edited significant publications, such as "A Zoroastrian Tapestry", and has served on the boards of major institutions like the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) and the Prince of Wales Museum (now CSMVS). As a collector and donor, she has helped nurture and preserve India's cultural heritage.

Perhaps most enduring is her role as a mentor, supporting countless artists and curators through encouragement and visionary leadership. Her commitment to substance, authenticity, and intellectual engagement stands as a beacon in an increasingly commercialized art world.

Today, Pheroza Godrej's legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and cultural practitioners, affirming her place as one of India's foremost champions of the arts.

"Art is not simply about creating or collecting objects. It is about nurturing dialogue, preserving memory, and giving form to the spirit of a people."
— Pheroza Godrej